Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2010; 118(5): 304-309
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1233452
Article

© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Insulin Alters the Permeability of Sheep Pleura

V. K. Kouritas1 , C. Hatzoglou1 , M. Ioannou2 , K. I. Gourgoulianis3 , P. A. Molyvdas1
  • 1Department of Physiology, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
  • 2Department of Histopathology, Larissa University Hospital, Larissa, Greece
  • 3Department of Thoracic diseases, Larissa University Hospital, Larissa, Greece
Further Information

Publication History

received 23.11.2008 first decision 06.06.2009

accepted 24.06.2009

Publication Date:
23 October 2009 (online)

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Abstract

Aim: Insulin promotes ion transportation across epithelia, mainly kidneys, leading to water and electrolyte abnormalities, possibly causing ‘insulin oedema syndrome’, which rarely presents as pleural effusion. Direct stimulation of sheep pleura by insulin and the possible electrophysiology mechanisms involved were investigated.

Material and Methods: Sheep visceral and parietal pleural specimens were mounted between Ussing chambers. Insulin solutions (10−9 to 10−5 M), L-NAME, Nitroprussid sodium, amiloride and ouabain were used. Trans-mesothelial Resistance was determined. Immunohistochemistry for presence of Insulin Receptors was performed.

Results: Insulin increased Trans-mesothelial Resistance within 1st minute when added mesothelially of visceral (p=0.008) and parietal pleura (p=0.046) for concentrations higher than 10−7 M. L-NAME or Nitroprussid sodium didn’t but amiloride and ouabain inhibited insulin's effect. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of Insulin Receptors.

Conclusion: Insulin changes the permeability of sheep pleura by altering its electrophysiology and may interfere in pleural effusion formation. Involvement of Insulin Receptors may be suggested.

References

1 Ohm's law correlates the potential difference (U) at the edges of a conductor with the current (I) that flows the conductor and with conductor's resistance (R). I=U/R. For pleural membrane U=PD TM which is being measured, I=current of viable intensity applied on tissue (i. e. 300 μ Ampere) and R=R after correction for S.I. units and the surface of the tissue exposed to solutions (in Ohm or Ωcm2).

Correspondence

V. K. KouritasMD, PhD 

Department of Physiology

Medical School University of Thessaly

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Email: kouritas@otenet.gr